Minneapolis City Council Committee of the Whole Summary

Meeting Information

• Date: January 28, 2024 (Tuesday)
• Title: Regular Committee of the Whole Meeting
• Present: Payne, Vetaw, Cashman, Chughtai, Koski, Palmisano, Chowdhury, Chavez (Wonsley, Ellison, and Osman joined after roll call)
• Absent: Rainville (excused), Jenkins
• Guests: None noted
• Votes: 2 (one voice vote, one roll call)

Highlights

• Emergency funding approved for Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center warming center
• Civil Unrest After Action Review Final Report referred back to staff
• Reestablishment of multiple advisory committees’ bylaws and procedures
• Winter Safety and Emergency Preparedness report deadline adjusted

Discussion

Emergency Funding for Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center

Vice President Chowdhury presented a proposal for emergency funding to sustain a warming center that opened during recent cold weather. The center has provided critical services since January 6th, helping 15 residents enter treatment, 18 enter long-term shelter, and 2 secure permanent housing. Hennepin County has already contributed $100,000, though the total needed is over $300,000.

Councilmember Osman emphasized the center’s importance: “This is a place that folks were coming in and getting the services… This place is what we need in our city of Minneapolis.”

The motion passed unanimously with 12 votes in favor.

Civil Unrest After Action Review

Chair Chavez moved to refer the 2020 Civil Unrest After Action Review Final Report back to staff after multiple postponements. The motion passed by voice vote without discussion.

Winter Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Chair Chavez announced that the report back date would be moved from February 5th to February 19th to accommodate staff needs. This will be formally amended at the full Council meeting.

Public Comments

No public comments were recorded during this session.